Description and characteristics of black currant variety Hercules, planting and care

Black currant Hercules is actively grown almost everywhere. This fruit and berry crop is distinguished by a high level of frost resistance; it can often be found in Siberia. In addition, the plant is positioned as large-fruited and consistently yielding. In order for its cultivation to be successful, you need to know what planting rules need to be followed and what care is needed in the future.

History of Hercules currant selection

Hercules, as this black currant is also called, was bred at the Department of Mountain Horticulture of the Research Institute named after M.A. Lisavenko. As a parent pair, we took Plotnokistnaya and a seedling from free pollination of a selected form of the Siberian subspecies from the river. Ilgumen. L.N. Zabelina worked on the creation of a new promising variety. Black currant Hercules was included in the State Register in 2000.

Main advantages and disadvantages

In general, Hercules black currant has proven itself exclusively on the positive side. It is valued in regions with both harsh and warm climates.

The sugar content of Hercules black currant is 8.7%, and the acidity is 2.2%. The percentage of ascorbic acid in fruits is 1.7%, and dry soluble substances are 18.4%.

The list of benefits of Hercules blackcurrant includes:

• high productivity rates;
• stability of fruiting;
• large berries;
• good keeping quality of fruits;
• currants are not afraid of transportation over long distances;
• high degree of winter hardiness;
• increased immunity to fungal infections;
• flowers are resistant to returning spring frosts;
• no need for additional pollination;
• not demanding on growing conditions.

Among the disadvantages of the Hercules black currant, only a low level of resistance to damage by the bud mite is distinguished. But it is quite possible to solve this problem through regular surface treatments (in early spring and late autumn) and digging up the earth near the bush.

Black currant Hercules is excellent for both beginning gardeners and for growing on large farms. Harvesting is possible using automated technology.

Description and characteristics of the variety

To achieve good results, you need to become more familiar with the main varietal characteristics of Hercules black currant.

Suitable region and climate for cultivation

Since Hercules black currant has sufficient frost resistance, it can be planted everywhere. It takes root well both in Siberia and in warm regions.

Resistance to low temperatures and drought

Black currant Hercules is able to winter even without additional shelter in the gardens of Siberia. Return frosts are not harmful to either flowers or buds. Short-term drought is not as painful for Hercules black currant as for other types of fruit crops. But it is not recommended to allow a long-term moisture deficit - irrigation activities should be regular and plentiful during the dry season.

Susceptibility to diseases and parasites

Black currant Hercules has a sufficient level of resistance to anthracnose and septoria. It is necessary to protect the plant with the help of preventive treatments, mainly from bud mites.

All about flowering and crop yield

Black currant Hercules belongs to the late-ripening varieties; the flowers are of medium size and have a beige-pink hue.The fruits set without additional pollination, but to increase productivity it is recommended to plant them near a variety with a similar flowering period. The yield from one bush is up to 4 kilograms, and from one hectare it is possible to collect over 11 tons of fruits with a dessert taste and pronounced aroma.

What are the benefits of shrub fruits?

Hercules blackcurrant berries not only have high consumer qualities, they also contain iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and potassium. In addition, the fruits are rich in vitamins B, A, C, E, P, K, they also contain tannins, carotene, and pectins. Considering this set of useful components, we can say: Hercules black currant is a medicinal plant. In folk medicine, twigs and leaves are also used to prepare decoctions.

Rules for growing black currants

By adhering to a certain planting algorithm, it is possible to initially create favorable conditions for growth and development for the Hercules blackcurrant.

Determining the timing of disembarkation

It is more advisable to carry out planting work regarding Hercules black currant in the first half of September. In warm weather, seedlings can be planted in a permanent place in October. If weather conditions do not allow planting young plants, they can be buried for the winter.

Selection and preparation of land

Planting Hercules blackcurrant bushes turns out to be effective if you choose a well-lit clearing, with groundwater not close to it, from 1.5-2 meters. In addition, the site must be protected from draft winds and not be located in a low area where cold air collects.

If the acidity level at the planting site is too high, it is recommended to moisten the soil once with lime milk. In case of excessive soil moisture, it is necessary to lay a drainage cushion of expanded clay or broken brick at the bottom to protect the Hercules black currant from putrefactive processes on the root system.

How to choose a healthy and strong seedling

A suitable option for planting material is biennial plants with 2-3 shoots, without leaves and buds. The roots should not show signs of disease, traces of rot, or various types of damage. It should be a well-developed root system of yellow-brown color with 3-5 skeletal roots. The length of the underground part should be 15-20 centimeters.

Technological process of planting

To properly plant a Hercules blackcurrant seedling, you should follow the following procedure:

1. Dig a hole 30-40 centimeters deep. It is better to prepare the planting nest in advance so that the soil has time to settle.
2. Place drainage at the bottom, and rotted manure or compost on top of it. The use of wood ash in this case is ineffective - it is quickly washed out of the soil.
3. Pour a bucket of water into the hole and wait until it is absorbed.
4. Place the seedling at an angle of 45 degrees, to a depth of 5-10 centimeters; branches are cut to 1/3 of the entire length.
5. Sprinkle the roots with soil and water.

To preserve moisture in the soil, the soil under the bush is mulched with rotted sawdust, grass, and peat.

Features of plant care

In order for the planted Hercules black currant sprout to adapt faster and grow, it is necessary to regularly moisten the soil, loosen it, and prune it. Adult bushes also need this care.

Watering

Given the superficial location of the root system of the Hercules blackcurrant, irrigation measures are especially important for it. Abundant watering is required at the stage of ovary formation - in June, as well as during the fruiting phase - in July-August. Do not forget about moistening the soil under the bushes and after harvesting - in August-September.

The frequency of procedures is 2-3 times a week, with a consumption of 10 liters of water per planting. The optimal time for irrigation is morning and evening hours.

Fertilizer application

Black currants need fertilizing in spring, summer, and autumn. Organic and mineral complex mixtures are used for these purposes. Hercules blackcurrant bushes require compounds with a high nitrogen content in the spring, and it is more advisable to use organic fertilizers in the summer.

In the fall, when the crop has already been harvested, superphosphate and potassium chloride are added to the soil, diluting them in water according to the manufacturer’s instructions during irrigation.

Loosening and mulching beds

Hercules blackcurrant bushes require soil with good moisture and air permeability. Compacted soil does not allow both the underground and above-ground parts of the bush to fully develop, which provokes a decrease in its productivity. Loosening should be done carefully so as not to injure the roots. Compost, peat, and mowed grass are used as mulch.

Pruning rules

Hercules blackcurrant bushes are erect, tall, and must be pruned every year to reduce the likelihood of disease infection and increase the performance of the variety.

Sanitary

Pruning is carried out mainly in the fall, removing all ineffective branches.Unripe shoots that have undergone deformation, growing in the center or intertwined are also cut out. If there are branches damaged by the disease, they are removed, as well as those that are on the ground.

Formation of bushes

Young black currant Hercules with annual shoots are formed immediately after planting in the ground. Cut off all the branches, leaving stumps no more than 5 centimeters high. This technique allows you to stimulate the growth of new shoots. During the summer season, 3-4 new shoots are formed; in the fall they should not be touched.

In the second year, blackcurrant bushes begin to bear fruit and form powerful shoots. In the fall, strong specimens are selected from them, and the rest are removed. Cut healthy branches can be used as cuttings. And only from the third year it is necessary to rid the bush of three old branches; they can be identified by the dark color of the bark.

Spring pruning

After winter, it is necessary to inspect the Hercules black currant and, if frozen, incapacitated branches are identified, prune them. During this period, you can cut out already fruit-bearing branches that were not removed in the fall.

Summer pinching

This manipulation is recommended to be done in early August. Pinching is used only for young shoots, which, due to their intensive growth rate, can greatly thicken the bush. But first, the plants should be fertilized, watered and mulched.

Shelter for the winter

The first step is to bend the blackcurrant shoots to the ground, grouping them in 3-5 pieces. And a wooden shield is laid on top. It is recommended to tilt the branches in the direction of growth, otherwise they may be damaged. The soil around the bush should be mulched with sawdust, fallen leaves, and compost.Also, black currants are covered with agrofibre or spruce branches in snowless winters.

Preventative treatment

To prevent the development of diseases, it is recommended to treat blackcurrant bushes with a working solution based on Topaz (6 milliliters per 10 liters of water) or Horus, at the rate of 12 grams per 10 liters of water. It is possible to prevent the appearance of pests on bushes by using Confidor maxi, taking into account the use of 1 gram per 10 liters of liquid.

Reviews from gardeners about the variety

Plant growing enthusiasts respond mostly positively to the Hercules blackcurrant.

Sergey, 63 years old, Moscow

“I planted the variety on my plot two years ago. I have already noticed its high productivity and resistance to low temperatures.”

Anastasia, 45 years old, Nizhny Novgorod

“I purchased Hercules from a nursery, planted it in a well-lit clearing, the berries grow sweet and large in size. I didn’t notice any shortcomings.”